When Truth Surface (Book #2 of "When Secrets Surface")

Chapter 5

Dorothy's POV

Sophie and I sat in Sophie's bedroom, surrounded by stacks of files and notes with a few theories we had come up with.

We had been working tirelessly to solve Naylene's case well after Sophie made the connection between the threats, Dad's initial disapperance and Naylene's disappearance.

"Ladies and Gentlemen," Sophie started.

"I'm the only one person here, smarty," I remarked.

"Shut up, please. Thank you," Sophie retorted.

I rolled my eyes and my eyes scanned the investigation board in the room. Sophie started, "Naylene Millers, a 22 year old, went missing on the evening of 15th October, 2024. Her sister, Nichole Millers, reported her missing when she failed to return home after 2 days."

Sophie pulled out a photo of Naylene, a bright smile and sparkling eyes captivating my attention completely.

"Naylene's family described her as outgoing, adventurous, and kind-hearted," Sophie continued. "However, there were underlying tensions within the family that caught my attention and it seems like she displayed off-character behavior the evening of her disappearance."

"Why are you speaking like we don't know her?" I asked.

"What is your problem with me?" Sophie asked.

Sophie's POV

"My problem is you have changed ever since you hit your head, Sophie," Dorothy's voice raised.

"How have I changed?!" My patience waning.

"You've been acting irrational, loud and grumpy," Dorothy yelled.

"Maybe it's because I can't sleep without having dreams where someone is almost killed," I yelled and sat down on my bed fuming.

Dorothy took over, her voice steady but I could sense the anger behind it.
She picked up the notes and continued to read.

"Naylene's parents, Mark and Emma Millers, have been married for over 30 years. They have another child, Nichole Millers, who is in her late teens. The family appeared to be close-knit, picture-perfect family, but according to the hints we have revealed cracks in their relationships. Lots and lots of flaws and weaknesses."

Sophie pulled out the investigation board and began writing.

Persons of Interest(1st draft)

1. Mark Millers (Father)
- Age: 55
- Occupation: Business owner
- Description: Controlling, authoritarian and strict.

2. Emma Millers (Mother)
- Age: 53
- Occupation: Real estate agent
- Description: sweet, smart and anxious

3. Nichole Millers(Sister )
- Age: 17
- Occupation: Student
- Description: Outgoing and calm

Dorothy explained, "According to our shallow knowledge so indicates that Naylene had a strained relationship with her father, Mark. He was overly critical, and Naylene felt suffocated by his expectations."

I added, "Emma, on the other hand, was extremely worried about Naylene. She monitored her every move because she realized there was a shift in Naylene's behavior."

The room fell silent as we pondered the complex family dynamics that could be hidden behind the scenes.

My eyes narrowed. "Nichole realised that Naylene was acting distant ."

As the team began to discuss the case, connections between Naylene and her family members emerged.

Possible Connections

1. Foul play between Mark Millers and his daughter Naylene.
2. Was there an argument that led to Naylene acting distant towards Nichole?
3. Could there be traces of phone calls, notes or anything that can explain why there was a massive shift in Naylene's behavior?
4. Could there be a hidden journal somewhere?

"This case just got a whole lot more interesting," Dorothy said, a hint of excitement in her voice.

I nodded. "It's time to dig deeper. Let's uncover the truth behind Naylene Millers' disappearance."

After we wrapped up, I left the room trying to get away from Dorothy before we broke into another argument.

I pulled my phone out of my pocket and tried to text Zach

The front door opened.

Mom and Dad's beaming faces came through the door.

" Sophie, we have a surprise for you," Mom said trying to hide her excitement.

I could feel my anger burning so how do I hide it i don't want to sound ungrateful.

Dad handed me a box and I opened it and brought out a new phone.

"Why?" I asked.

"Well, we thought you deserved it you're a top student and we never awarded you properly," Dad explained.

"Thank you," I tried to smile.

Theo offered to buy me a phone.

"Is everything alright hon," Mom read right threw me.

Crap.

I hate her motherly instincts sometimes.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I tried to choke back my tears.

I got what I wanted. I got Dad back.

But I lost something.

I lost the ability to sleep at night.

Lost the ability to hold my emotions.

Lost my ability to be me.

I wanted to be me again.

"I'm feeling sick," I lied.

I hate lying to Mom and Dad.

I hate lying to myself.

"I didn't quite hear that," Mom said.

"I'm sick," I forced my tears done.

"Go lie down. Maybe take a nap, "Mom suggested.

How can I sleep if someone can get killed because of me?

How?

I didn't respond.

I went upstairs and almost knocked Dorothy over.

I didn't open my mouth to apologize I would have cried if I had done that.

I brushed past her put my new phone and brought the old one out.

With silent tears falling I set up my phone effortlessly.

I pulled out a pillow buried my face in it and sobbed.

Dorothy's POV

Sophie nearly knocked me over.

I wasn't even mad at her anymore.

She was probably facing her own demons and I didn't want to make her feel worse.

I knocked on her door and didn't enter but I didn't enter.

"Sophie, you're not alright," Maybe I should have sugar-coated that, "But I forgive you because I know it's not your fault".

I went back to my room.

I know what may be bothering her.

Naylene.

Who has her?